Water gas obtained from the gasification of coke is made up of

1. Analyze the Question

The question asks for the chemical composition of "water gas," which is produced during the industrial process of gasification of coke (carbon).

2. Explain the Concept

Gasification is a process that converts carbonaceous materials (like coke or coal) into a gaseous mixture.

• Water Gas Production: When steam is passed over white-hot coke at a temperature of about 1000°C, a chemical reaction occurs: $$C_{(s)} + H_2O_{(g)} \rightarrow CO_{(g)} + H_{2(g)}$$
• The resulting mixture consists of Carbon(II) oxide (CO) and Hydrogen ($H_2$). This mixture is highly flammable and is used as a fuel in industrial processes.

3. Show the Solution

• Step 1: Identify the reactants: Coke (Carbon) and Steam (Water vapor).
• Step 2: Write the balanced chemical equation: $C + H_2O \rightarrow CO + H_2$.
• Step 3: Analyze the products: The products are Carbon(II) oxide ($CO$) and Hydrogen gas ($H_2$).
• Step 4: Compare with the given options: • A: Nitrogen and Carbon(II) oxide (This is Producer Gas, not Water Gas). • B: Nitrogen and Hydrogen (Incorrect). • C: Hydrogen and Carbon(II) oxide (Matches our derivation). • D: Carbon(II) oxide and Carbon(IV) oxide (Incorrect).

4. Identify the Answer

The correct option is C.

5. Exam Tip

To avoid confusion in the exam hall, remember these two common industrial gases:

• Water Gas: $CO + H_2$ (Produced by steam and coke).
• Producer Gas: $CO + N_2$ (Produced by passing air over hot coke).
• Memory Trick: Think "Water has Hydrogen" to remember that Water Gas must contain $H_2$.